Brooke Rollins Confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

February 13, 2025

The U.S. Senate voted 72-28 on Thursday to confirm Brooke Rollins as the next Secretary of Agriculture. While all Republicans supported her confirmation, more Democrats opposed the nomination than anticipated, including Sens. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), who had initially backed her advancement through the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Following her confirmation, several key agricultural organizations released statements expressing their support and outlining expectations for Rollins’ tenure at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)

Ethan Lane, NCBA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, welcomed Rollins’ confirmation:

“We are pleased with the bipartisan confirmation of Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture. We know Secretary Rollins will prioritize passing a Farm Bill, protecting America’s cattle herd from the threat of foreign animal disease, and ensuring USDA is focused on supporting America’s cattle farmers and ranchers instead of covering them in red tape. NCBA looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins to passionately defend our rural communities and America’s cattle-raising legacy.”

Farm Credit Council

Christy Seyfert, President and CEO of the Farm Credit Council, also extended congratulations:

“Congratulations to Secretary Rollins on her confirmation. As America’s farmers and ranchers face a range of challenges, it is crucial to have leaders who understand the unique needs of agriculture. For more than a century, Farm Credit has provided reliable, consistent credit and financial services to rural America, and we look forward to continuing our important mission in good times and in bad. We welcome the opportunity to work with Secretary Rollins to advance policies that strengthen rural communities and benefit producers.”

National Farmers Union (NFU)

NFU President Rob Larew emphasized the importance of USDA leadership in advocating for family farmers and ranchers:

“I offer my congratulations to Secretary Rollins on her confirmation on behalf of Farmers Union’s family farmer and rancher members across the country. The Secretary of Agriculture is an incredibly influential public servant role, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) work impacts every farmer, rancher, and rural American across the country.

I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to ensure the continued growth of our nation’s agriculture economy and build a strong future for family farmers and ranchers. With a deep background in rural Texas and agricultural education paired with a career in policy at the state and federal levels, Secretary Rollins will provide a unique perspective as Agriculture Secretary.”

Larew also highlighted key NFU priorities, including strengthening risk management tools, ensuring market fairness, supporting new producers, and advancing country-of-origin labeling for beef.

National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG)

Chandler Goule, CEO of NAWG, commended Rollins’ commitment to agricultural policy:

“Congratulations Secretary Brooke Rollins. I appreciate Mrs. Rollins committing to getting the much-needed economic assistance for wheat producers rolled out during her confirmation hearing, as well as her interest in getting a long-term, meaningful farm bill signed into law this year that strengthens the farm safety net. NAWG looks forward to working with you to deliver real results for wheat growers and rural America.”

Looking Ahead

As Rollins takes the helm at USDA, she faces pressing challenges, including negotiating a new Farm Bill, addressing economic concerns for producers, and ensuring fair market conditions for American agriculture. With bipartisan support and clear expectations from industry groups, her leadership will be closely watched in the months ahead.